THE PLAYBOY DISTRACTION

Chapter 8 – On the Way Home

(Celeste’s POV)

The city lights streaked past the car window like sparks, but Celeste barely noticed. Her mind kept drifting back to Zach — that impossible, untouchable boy who somehow carried both danger and… something else she couldn’t name.

The memory of his eyes, sharp and measuring, made her stomach tighten. Even hours after leaving King Manor, she could still feel the pull of his presence. The way he’d glanced at her during dinner, subtle, almost imperceptible — a challenge, a warning, and something softer, all at once.

Her phone buzzed, jerking her out of the spiral.

Beth: “Hey! You’re home yet?”

Celeste smirked, fingers flying over the screen.

Celeste: “Almost. What’s up?”

Beth: “Chase and I had lunch. It was fun — really fun. But I kept thinking… I hope Zach doesn’t cause trouble for you.”

Celeste’s jaw tightened. Beth had no idea. She didn’t know she’d agreed to be Zach’s “girlfriend” for a reason — to keep him away from her.

Celeste: “Don’t worry about me.”

Beth: “I know, but… Winslow, just be careful. He’s back, and I can feel the chaos trailing him already.”

Celeste’s lips twitched in a faint smile. Chaos. That was one way to put Zach King.

The car turned into the Winslows’ driveway, the house glowing warmly against the night. Celeste stepped out, her heart still racing. Home always calmed her… except when Zach was involved.

Inside, her parents were quietly finishing paperwork in the living room. They didn’t need to ask about her night; they could see it in her posture, the way her hands flexed against her bag.

“Long night?” her mother asked casually, glancing up.

“Not too bad,” Celeste said lightly, dropping her bag by the door. She didn’t mention dinner, Zach, or the tension simmering beneath her calm exterior.

She sank into the sofa, letting herself breathe — only to realize that Zach King had already planted a seed in her mind, one that wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.

Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Beth:

Beth: “Seriously, thanks. I don’t even know what’s going on, but… I feel like you’re in the middle of it.”

Celeste smiled faintly, a shiver of anticipation running through her. She’d promised to protect her best friend, but the truth was simple: Zach King wasn’t just trouble. He was a storm. And she was standing right in the path.